The New Ireland artists who carved and painted this pole divided large surface areas into decoratively
PATTERNED
parts.
Where do you see patterned parts on the pig's head?Separate color and pattern around the eye, mouth, teeth, ear; crescent shape between the eye and mouth; red-and-white stripe along the top of the head; rectangle below eye and ear.

Detail showing pig's head from the Malagan Pole (image is rotated 90°)

Detail showing the negative shapes around the female figure from the Malagan Pole

Malagan festivals, like the one for which this malagan pole was made, are ways for New Ireland communities to commemorate
someone who has died. Funeral rites and festivities help souls depart the world of the living and get used to the world of the dead.
How do we honor and commemorate our ancestors? What kinds of ceremonies do we have when people in our communities die?